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Best personal loan rates for February 2025

Rates start at 6.94%

Updated Feb 24, 2025

The best personal loan rates start at 6.94 percent if you have stellar credit and income. However, according to a recent Bankrate survey, average personal loan rates sit at 12.40 percent, which is still much lower than average credit card rates above 20 percent.

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Upgrade: Bankrate 2025 award for bad credit and first-in-class customer experience

4.6
Est. APR
7.99- 35.99%
with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $50K
Min credit score
580

PERSONAL LOANS

Avant: Best payday loan alternative

4.5
Est. APR
9.95- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k- $35K
Min credit score
550

SoFi: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Best Online Lender

4.7
Est. APR
8.99- 29.49%
with all discounts
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $100K
Min credit score
Not disclosed

PERSONAL LOANS

Happy Money: Best for credit card debt consolidation

4.2
Est. APR
8.95- 17.48%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $40K
Min credit score
640

LendingClub: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Best In An Emergency

4.7
Est. APR
8.91- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $40K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Upstart: Best for little credit history

4.7
Est. APR
7.40- 35.99%
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $50K
Min credit score
300

PERSONAL LOANS

Best Egg: Best for low minimum rates

4.6
Est. APR
6.99- 35.99%
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k- $50K
Min credit score
600

LightStream: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Best Home Improvement Loan

4.5
Est. APR
6.94- 25.29%
* with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs*
Loan amount
$5k- $100K
Min credit score
695

PERSONAL LOANS

OneMain Financial: Best for variety of secured loan options

4.3
Est. APR
18.00- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$1.5k- $20K
Min credit score
Not disclosed

PERSONAL LOANS

Citi® Personal Loan: Best for no fees

4.6
Est. APR
11.49- 20.49%
Loan term
1-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k- $30K
Min credit score
Not disclosed

PERSONAL LOANS

LendingPoint: Best for small loans with flexible repayment terms

4.4
Est. APR
7.99- 35.99%
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Loan amount
$1k- $36.5K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Prosper: Best for peer-to-peer lending

4.5
Est. APR
8.99- 35.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$2k- $50K
Min credit score
600

PERSONAL LOANS

Achieve: Best for debt consolidation

4.5
Est. APR
8.99- 29.99%
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $50K
Min credit score
620
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A closer look at our top lenders for personal loans

In this section, our Bankrate experts put the top personal loan lender picks under a microscope. Before applying, consider each lender's strengths and weaknesses to see if they are the best match for your particular borrowing needs.

We outline what each lender excels at to help you find the best option for your needs.

LightStream: Bankrate 2025 award winner for best home improvement loan

LightStream
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: LightStream is a top choice for those with good credit who need to take out a large personal loan with a longer term to reduce monthly payments. Loans up to $100,00 and longer terms make a LightStream a fit match if you’re looking to consolidate large amounts of high-interest debt or finance a home renovation.

Est. APR
6.94%–25.29%
Loan amount
$5k– $100k
Min credit score
695

Upstart: Best loan for little credit history

Upstart
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: Upstart touts a unique approval criteria that includes education and employment and has helped more than 3 million customers. It also offers lower competitive rates that start below 8 percent. 

Est. APR
7.40%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k– $50k
Min credit score
300

Achieve: Best for best debt consolidation

Achieve
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Formerly known as Freedom Plus, Achieve is a digital finance company that has become a trustworthy lender known for its flexible terms, discounts and rates. Unlike some of the lenders we review, it offers joint applications, which could earn you a lower rate or a bigger loan amount.

Est. APR
8.99%–29.99%
Loan amount
$5k– $50k
Min credit score
620

LendingClub: Bankrate 2025 award winner for best in an emergency

LendingClub
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: LendingClub started as a peer-to-peer lender in 2007, and has since evolved into a loan marketplace. If you’re struggling to find a lender that will let you borrow at a good rate, LendingClub offers joint applicant availability, which may help you score a lower rate. Plus it offers low amounts if you need a loan for a small expense, like new tires or kitchen appliances.

Est. APR
8.91%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k– $40k
Min credit score
600

Happy Money: Best loan for credit card debt consolidation

Happy Money
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Overview: Happy Money offers one loan — called the Payoff Loan — designed specifically for consolidating credit card debt. According to an internal Happy Money 2022 study, members who paid off at least $5,000 in credit card debt saw an average FICO score increase of 49 points within four months of getting their loan. 

Est. APR
8.95%–17.48%
Loan amount
$5k– $40k
Min credit score
640

OneMain Financial: Best for variety of secured loan options

OneMain
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3

Overview: OneMain is one of a few lenders that offers same-day funding — but you may need to provide collateral. While it doesn't disclose a minimum credit score, OneMain does work with those who don't have the best of credit.

Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k– $20k
Min credit score
Not specified

Citi ® Personal Loan: Best for no fees

Citi® Personal Loan
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: For borrowers with excellent credit who already bank with Citi, getting a Citi personal loan may be the easiest option among our lender picks. The bank helps borrowers save by offering an autopay discount and charging no fees. Citigold or Citi Priority customers can take advantage of additional discounts. 

Est. APR
11.49%–20.49%
Loan amount
$2k– $30k
Min credit score
Not specified

Upgrade: Bankrate 2025 award winner for bad credit and first-in-class service

Upgrade
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: While several lenders we reviewed offer loans to fair credit borrowers, most don't offer terms as long as 84 months. Upgrade caters to borrowers with scores as low as 580, and even offers a low loan amount minimum for smaller borrowing needs.

Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k– $50k
Min credit score
580

Best Egg: Best for low minimum rates

Best Egg
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Overview: Best Egg has funded over 1.1 million loans since 2014, making it a well-established lender in the personal loan space. It's also one of the few lenders that offers secured loans for those who wouldn't otherwise qualify for a personal loan.

Est. APR
6.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k– $50k
Min credit score
600

Prosper: Best for peer-to-peer lending 

Prosper
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Prosper is Bankrates's 2024 award winner for best personal loan for borrowers with fair credit. Its unique history of starting as a peer-to-peer lender puts your application in front of multiple investors to give you more odds for approval. As well as allowing joint applicants, Prosper boasts a quick funding time and a good online experience. Plus, borrowers can change their monthly payment date — a benefit not many lenders offer. 

Est. APR
8.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k– $50k
Min credit score
600

Avant: Best payday loan alternative

Avant
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Avant sets its minimum credit score at 550, much lower than the 600 to 640 requirement set by other lenders. Avant's convenient mobile app and easy-to-navigate website also make it easier to stay on top of your payments and manage your loan details than other lenders on the market.

Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k– $35k
Min credit score
550

LendingPoint: Best for small loans with flexible repayment terms

Lending Point
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: LendingPoint is based in Atlanta and offers personal loans in 48 states and Washington, D.C. While some lenders with tighter credit requirements require a $5,000 minimum for personal loans, LendingPoint lets bad-credit borrowers take out as little as $1,000.

Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k– $37k
Min credit score
600

SoFi: Best overall online lender 

SoFi
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7

Overview: SoFi takes the spot as the best online personal loan for a number of reasons. For one, the lender offers the most robust portfolio of exclusive member benefits. It also hosts a fully online application and lending experience, as well as offering loans up to $100,000, higher than many of our top loan picks. 

Est. APR
8.99%–29.49%
Loan amount
$5k– $100k
Min credit score
Not specified

Calculate your loan payment

Use Bankrate's calculator to find the perfect loan repayment plan for you. Enter different loan amounts, terms and interest rates to compare estimated monthly payments and see how much total interest you'll pay.

How to compare personal loans 

Compare personal loan offers to find the best product for your specific goals. The information Bankrate gathered about the lenders above can make this easier. Keep the following factors in mind as you compare your options.

  • Learn the approval requirements: Some lenders cater to excellent credit borrowers, while others specialize in bad credit. Check lender’s websites for loan amount minimums and maximums to make sure they meet your needs. 
  • Review interest rates and feesPersonal loan APRs vary widely based on your credit score and the lender. Watch for origination fees, which can be as high as 12 percent of your loan amount and are deducted from the amount you borrow when your loan funds. 
  • Run payments on different repayment options: Most loan terms range between one and seven years. A longer term comes with a lower monthly payment and higher total interest charges. A short term makes sense if you can afford the higher monthly payment and want your debt repaid faster.
  • Consider how quickly you need the funds: Some lenders offer same-day funding, while others may take several business days. Check funding times if you need money fast for an emergency. 
  • Look for special perks and read lender reviews: You may be eligible for rate discounts for automatic payments or payment due date flexibility. Read lender reviews for extra information about customer service hours, contact information and what other borrowers' experiences have been.
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The author’s expert insight

"As someone who used to broker loans for a living, I know that the lowest rate lenders are not always the best choice for your circumstances. Those low rates may come with extra fees, short terms, and requirements that don’t fit your financial needs or that you can’t qualify for. A lender that offers slightly higher rates but longer terms may give your budget more breathing room than a lender that offers super low rates on loan balances you have to pay off quickly at a high monthly payment."

- Denny Ceizyk, Bankrate Senior Loans Writer

Personal loan interest rates

The interest rate you're offered will depend on several factors, including your credit score, your income, your current debts, the Federal Reserve's actions and the type of loan you're interested in.

Average personal loan interest rates vary depending on your credit score. Lenders offer borrowers with fair or bad credit higher rates because they see them as more likely to default.

Borrowers with good or excellent credit are more eligible for the lender's most competitive rates and terms. Lenders often also charge lower rates for shorter terms, higher loan amounts and may offer discounts for auto payment set up.

Check your credit score to calculate your potential interest rate.

CREDIT BAND CREDIT SCORE RANGE AVERAGE PERSONAL LOAN INTEREST RATE
Excellent 720-850 10.73%-12.50%
Good 690-719 13.50%-15.50%
Average 630-689 17.80%-19.90%
Bad 300-629 28.50%-32.00%

Average rates as of February 19, 2025

Personal loans 12.37%

To get an up-to-date picture of industry rates, Bankrate's Market Analysis team conducts the weekly Bankrate Monitor survey. The rate we share is the average offered by America's largest banks and thrifts to customers with a 700 FICO score, $5,000 loan amount and three-year repayment plan.

What this means if you're shopping for the best rates:

  • Your rate could be much lower or higher than the average depending on your credit score or loan term.
  • You may want to check out online lender rates since they aren't reflected in this average.

The interest rate you're offered will depend on several factors, including your credit score, your income, your current debts, the Federal Reserve's actions and the type of loan you're interested in.

What is a personal loan? 

personal loan is a type of installment loan that allows you to receive money all at once and repay it in monthly installments. Most personal loans can be funded in one or two business days, and repaid in terms ranging from one to seven years. 

Personal loan rates are usually fixed with average APRs much lower than average credit card APRs. They’re typically unsecured, so you don’t risk losing an asset like your home or car if you can’t repay it. Personal loans are popular for debt consolidation but can be used for just about any legal purpose.

Pros and cons of personal loans 

While helpful, personal loans aren't the best financing tool or solution for everyone. Consider the pros and cons of personal loans. If you feel that the cons outweigh the pros, look into personal loan alternatives, like home equity products or a credit card.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Money in one lump sum with lower interest rates than credit cards.
  • Faster funding times than secured loan options like home equity loans.
  • May help improve your credit score if used to pay off revolving credit.
  • Few restrictions on how funds are used.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Interest rates can be higher than credit cards for bad credit borrowers.
  • Shorter terms could result in unaffordable monthly payments.
  • Potentially high fees and penalties.
  • Income must be stable to qualify — not good for gig or self-employed income.
Loan Icon
Bankrate insight

45 percent of Americans who applied for personal loans in the last 12 months were rejected, according to Bankrate's 2025 Credit Denials Survey.

How to get a personal loan

Knowing the steps to getting a personal loan will make the application and approval process easier.

  1. Check your credit score.

  2. Pick an affordable repayment term.

  3. Compare requirements, APRs and fees with at least three lender.

  4. Get prequalified.

  5. Finalize your loan.

  6. Get your funds and start making payments.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT

How To Get A Personal Loan In 9 Steps

Get more details about how to get approved for the best personal loan for your credit situation.

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Personal loan uses 

Borrowers take out different types of personal loans for different loan purposes. While there are many options out there, here are a few of the most common.

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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Does it make more sense to borrow with a personal loan or a HELOC right now?


Nationally recognized finance expert

Recent spikes in mortgage rates may make personal loans a better choice than home equity loans. People with high credit scores may find personal loan rates as competitive as home equity loan interest rates. In addition, a personal loan isn’t secured by your home, which means you don’t have to pay it off when you sell your home, and don’t risk losing your home to foreclosure if you can’t pay it off.

Loans Senior Writer

Despite the record highs in home equity, I’d recommend personal loans as a better alternative for two reasons. First, they don’t tie up your home’s equity since they’re typically unsecured. That means you net more profit if you plan to sell your home soon and avoid the risk of losing your home if you can’t repay the HELOC. Second, you could keep using a HELOC over at least the first 10 years, reducing your housing wealth. A personal loan forces you to pick a repayment period with a definite end date. Homeowners who rack up credit card debt over the holidays may be better off using a personal loan for debt consolidation, too.

Frequently asked questions about personal loans

How we choose our best personal loan lenders

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

45

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

900

data points collected

To select the best personal loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 40 lenders. Each lender was ranked using a meticulous 20-point system, focusing on four main categories: